BUTLER TWP — Christy Puskarich and Lois McMasters were bowling alongside each other Saturday night at Family Bowlaway.

One was having the best six-game set of her life.

The other was having the time of her life.

Both were part of the 78th annual Pennsylvania State USBC Women’s Bowling Association Tournament taking place at Family Bowlaway and Sherwood Lanes.

Family Bowlaway is hosting the singles and doubles portion of the tournament.

Puskarich, 43, of Bentleyville rolled a doubles series of 290-260-226 for a 776. She followed that up with a singles set of 268-221-269 for a 758.

She carries a 207 average and bowls in two leagues.

“I’ve never bowled that well in my life, not for six games like this,” Puskarich said. “In the state tournament, I’ve never done anything like this.”

Puskarich has bowled four 300-games in her lifetime, the most recent being last year. Her highest series are 796 and 794, “but those happened years ago,” she said.

She used a new ball over the weekend, having bowled with it only once before the state tournament.

“I was terrible the first time I used it,” she said. “I didn’t get a 600. A good friend of mine, Ron Godish, who runs a pro shop, suggested this ball. He said it’d be good for me.

“Tonight, it worked out. I got in a zone.”

Puskarich has been bowling since age 5 and had a coach until age 16. She lifts weights five times a week and rolls a 16-pound ball.

“She works out in the gym and is very serious about her physical training,” longtime friend Darla Efaw said. “It definitely makes a difference in her game.”

McMasters’ scores paled in comparison to Puskarich. She rolled sets of 136-155-111 for 402, 127-139-152 for 418 on the pair of lanes next to her.

Her average is 146. Then again, McMasters turned 90 on Friday. She is one of five bowlers age 90 or older in the state tournament.

“I’ve been to nationals for the past 38 years and have bowled in the state tournament for more than 40,” McMasters said.

She’s been a ten-pin bowler for 60 years. She bowled duckpins for years before that.

“Duckpins was what we did until 60 years ago. If you wanted to bowl ten-pins, you did it when the duckpin night was over,” McMasters said.

McMasters averaged a career-high 183 when she was 60. She bowled a 716 series when she was 40. She used to roll a 16-pound ball. Now she rolls a 10-pound ball.

But she’s still rolling. She bowls in three leagues a week.

“This is my third time in Butler for this tournament,” the Pittsburgh resident said. “We’ve got our singles and doubles city tournament next weekend and more events after that.

“The nationals are in June in Las Vegas. I’ll be bowling all summer.”

McMasters has six children, 10 grandchildren, six great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.

“My family knows to check my schedule before they schedule a wedding, a birthday party or some family gathering,” she said, laughing. “They have to make sure I’m available.

“Bowling is good exercise. It gets me out of the house and it’s a good way to spend a weekend with wonderful people.”

Puskarich is one person McMasters has made an impression on.

“She is amazing. She inspires me,” Puskarich said. “I only hope I’m able to hold up a bowling ball when I’m 90. That woman is an inspiration to all of us.”